There’s so much in the news at the moment reminding us how important it is to reduce plastic waste. We’ve all seen, and almost certainly been shocked by, images on social media, and programmes such as David Attenborough’s Blue Planet showing how our oceans, in particular, are being affected by the amount of waste plastics. I think most of us are aware we need to take responsibility for the amount of plastic waste we generate as individuals, families and within businesses.
The Promotional Merchandise industry has been looking for ways to help protect our planet over recent years with an increasing range of recycled products available. Even more important in my opinion though, is looking for products that are useful, promote businesses (of course!), yet have a minimal effect on the planet.

Reusable bags

We like to supply Oeko-Tex Cotton bags, for example – this means they are certified free from over 100 toxic chemicals – this can only be good for the environment! We have seen a huge increase in reusable bags since the 5p charge was introduced – most of us now remember to take bags to the supermarket, and I always have a couple in my handbag – just in case! If you were ever wondering how long people keep promotional bags for, I embarrassed myself a couple of weeks ago in a local supermarket car park! I was just leaving my space when I spotted a lady with a bag I recognised! The design was one I had printed for a University between 2012 and Jan 2014. I asked her when she got the bag, and she remembered being given it at her son’s university open day in 2013 – it was looking very well used, but still doing its job – both for the lady and for the University! I am certain a plastic bag wouldn’t have been able to offer such a good ROI.

Water bottles and coffee cups

We are also huge believers in reusable water bottles and coffee cups. I am a bottled water convert – I used to drink far too many bottles of water – now I rarely go out without my “Chilli” branded water bottle, along with my “Chilli” branded coffee cup – they look great, work a treat and help save the environment – that’s a win-win in my eyes! The factory we generally use for reusable plastic coffee cups and water bottles has a great system where all the waste produced in making these items is melted back down, on site, and used to make other promotional items such as mouse mats and coasters.

If you are interested in reducing the amount of single-use plastic in your business and want to know if there are promotional products that could help you achieve this, please do get in touch! We’d love to help.